Cozy Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe: A Homestyle Delight

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delightful stuffed bell pepper casserole recipe that combines hearty flavors and simple ingredients.

Colorful bell peppers nestled in a rich, savory base create a mouthwatering meal everyone will adore.

Ground beef, rice, and melted cheese blend perfectly in this one-dish wonder.

Each bite promises a delicious adventure packed with robust seasonings and tender vegetables.

Families and dinner guests will appreciate the warmth and satisfaction this casserole delivers.

The recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Flavor Highlights

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this hearty casserole with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving a satisfying meal without complex cooking techniques.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by using just a skillet and baking dish, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation a breeze for home cooks.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Customize this recipe by swapping ground beef with turkey, adding different vegetables, or experimenting with cheese varieties to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Pack in nutritious ingredients like bell peppers and lean protein, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its delicious, familiar flavors.

Ingredients For Stuffed Pepper Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich protein for the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a deep flavor foundation for the dish.
• Bell Peppers, Diced Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that add color, texture, and natural sweetness to the casserole.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic spices that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Tomato Sauce, Chicken Broth: Moisture-rich ingredients that help create a saucy and cohesive casserole.

• Cooked Rice: A starchy component that helps bind the casserole together and adds substance.
• Cheddar Cheese: A melty, sharp topping that provides a creamy and golden finish to the dish.

Steps To Make Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Sizzle The Meat

• Onions
• Garlic

Cook until the meat transforms into a delicious golden color and drain any extra grease.

Step 3: Create The Flavor Base

• Diced bell peppers
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Let everything bubble and mingle for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to get cozy.

Step 4: Add Some Texture

Mix in cooked rice and give it a taste.

If the mixture seems dry, splash in some chicken broth to make it extra saucy.

Step 5: Prepare For The Cheesy Finale

Transfer the colorful mixture into a greased baking dish and blanket the top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese becomes a molten, bubbly masterpiece.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving up this comfort food dream.

Tips For Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Add an extra splash of chicken broth to prevent the casserole from drying out, ensuring a perfectly juicy and flavorful dish every time.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that still delivers incredible taste.
• Mix different cheese varieties like monterey jack and mozzarella for a more complex and creamy cheese topping that elevates the entire casserole.
• Substitute rice with cauliflower rice to create a low-carb version that's just as delicious and satisfying for those watching their carbohydrate intake.

Ideas For Stuffed Pepper Casserole Variations

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Replace rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates and adds extra vegetables.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans to create a meatless alternative packed with protein.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Casserole: Add jalapeños, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Inspired Option: Use ground lamb instead of beef, incorporate feta cheese, and add oregano and fresh parsley for a Greek-inspired variation with Mediterranean herbs and ingredients.

How To Serve Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Hearty Family Meal Companion: Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad topped with ranch dressing for a balanced dinner experience.
• Fresh Bread Sidekick: Serve warm garlic bread or crusty sourdough slices alongside the casserole to soak up delicious saucy flavors.
• Protein Power-Up: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top for extra creaminess and a protein boost that complements the beef and rice.
• Weekend Gathering Star: Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, this casserole travels well and can be prepared in advance for easy entertaining.

Storage Tips For Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the casserole will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture if needed.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole. Simply follow the same cooking method and it will taste delicious.

• Do I need to pre-cook the rice?

Always use pre-cooked rice for this recipe to ensure even cooking and prevent a mushy texture. White or brown rice both work great.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for extra heat and kick. Adjust according to your spice preference.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth and check that your seasonings don’t contain gluten. Double-check all ingredient labels to be sure.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired stuffed bell pepper casserole promises a delightful flavor explosion with spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty seasonings. Home cooks can easily craft this comforting one-pan meal that delivers satisfying southwestern comfort in every single bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground turkey

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 3 large bell peppers
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Canned and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces / 227 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Grains and Liquids:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 cup uncooked brown rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups chicken broth

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Cheese and Garnish:

• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring a consistent temperature for even cooking.
2. Sauté ground beef in a large skillet, incorporating diced onion and minced garlic until meat browns completely and develops rich flavor.
3. Eliminate excess fat from the meat mixture by carefully draining through a colander.
4. Incorporate colorful diced bell peppers, tangy diced tomatoes, robust tomato sauce, aromatic Italian seasoning, and balanced salt and pepper into the skillet.
5. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and ingredients to soften.
6. Fold in pre-cooked rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Adjust seasonings to personal preference.
7. If desired, introduce chicken broth to enhance the dish’s moisture and create a more succulent consistency.
8. Transfer the vibrant mixture into a prepared greased baking dish, spreading evenly for uniform cooking.
9. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
11. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, permitting flavors to settle and making serving easier.

Notes

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, leaner version of this hearty casserole.
• Enhance the nutritional profile by adding quinoa instead of rice, boosting protein and creating a gluten-free alternative.
• Customize the heat level by incorporating different peppers like jalapeños or using spicy cheese varieties for those who enjoy a kick.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store in the refrigerator to streamline the cooking process and make weeknight meals a breeze.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg